Thousands of websites, including Wikipedia, Reddit, Google, Craigslist, Wired, Fark and many more, have gone dark to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), a bill designed to stop copyright infringement. Web experts argue that it would lead to online censorship and would forever alter the landscape of the Web. The blackout's aim is to bring awareness to the bill.

Rep. Tim Holden was one of 30 co-sponsors of the original bill. Today he announced that he is withdrawing his support of the bill with the following statement:

"Based on my background as a sheriff, the Stop Online Piracy Act, commonly referred to as SOPA, was brought to me as a law enforcement bill. At its core, the bill's intent to eliminate theft by foreign websites protects the intellectual property of American manufacturers of all spheres. However, the possible unintended consequences, such as stifling innovation and limiting "free speech on the Internet, have come to the forefront of debate. An open Internet requires that We find a better approach that is acceptable to all sides. Therefore, I am today withdrawing as a cosponsor of this bill and will Work to find a solution that protects both the openness and innovation of the Internet as well as intellectual property."

Rep. Tom Marino is also a co-sponsor of the bill. Sen. Bob Casey is a co-sponsor of Protect ID Act (PIPA), a related bill in the Senate.